Youth Protection Training

The Boy Scouts of America is dedicated to the principle of protecting youth from harm. For this reason, all registered adult volunteers, no matter what their position entails, must complete Youth Protection training before they can be registered.

The Boy Scouts of America’s Youth Protection Training works by creating a number of barriers to abuse. Including:

LEADERSHIP SELECTION: The Boy Scouts of America takes great pride in the quality of our adult leadership. Being a leader in the BSA is a privilege, not a right. The quality of the program and the safety of our youth members call for high-quality adult leaders. We work closely with our chartered organizations to help recruit the best possible leaders for their units.

OPEN PROGRAM: All aspects of the Scouting program are open to observation by parents and leaders. Parents are encouraged to attend all Scouting activities.

PRIVACY OF YOUTH AND ADULT MEMBERS: Privacy for all youth and adult members is safeguarded by BSA policy. Adult leaders must respect the privacy of members and protect their own privacy, especially in situations such as changing clothes and taking showers at camp. No youth is permitted to sleep in the tent of an adult other than his or her own parent or guardian.

“TWO-DEEP” LEADERSHIP: Scouting has a strict “two-deep” leadership policy, which requires at least two adults be present with youth at all times during Scouting activities. One-on-one contact between adults and youth members is not permitted, including texting and communications on social media.

72 Hour Rule: Effective June 1, 2018, adults accompanying a Scouting unit who are present at the activity for 72 total hours or more must be registered as a leader, including completion of a criminal background check and Youth Protection training. The 72 hours need not be consecutive. (This requirement refers to any Scouting event that lasts more than 72 hours like Summer Camp.)

MANDATORY REPORTING: Scouting policies require prompt reporting of any reasonable suspicions of inappropriate conduct with youth to law enforcement.

SCOUTS FIRST HELPLINE: Dedicated 24/7 Scouts First Helpline to report any suspected abuse or inappropriate behavior. 1-844-SCOUTS1 OR 1-844-726-8871

The BSA is always reevaluating and reassessing its policies to ensure the safest youth program and the best training are offered. Over the past two years, the Boy Scouts of America has worked with experts in the field of child abuse, child sexual abuse and maltreatment to develop new training and resources that will further strengthen our ability to protect youth. These changes include:

Fully updated and revised Youth Protection Training developed with leaders in the field of child abuse prevention and includes insights from experts, survivors and the latest strategies for recognizing and preventing major forms of abuse. This is the designated Youth Protection training for all adults. All modules must be completed.